Trees top of mind in The County

Thu, Mar 16th - 6:00pm

Residents and councillors alike in Prince Edward County are willing to pay much more attention to trees and forests these days.

Council’s Committee of the Whole has voted to strike a committee comprised of some councillors, staff, and interested residents to begin the work of formulating a “tree policy” leading to the protection and nurturing of existing trees and woodlands and planting new ones.

Susan Banks and Gerry Jenkinson spoke on behalf of the Horticultural Society, Master Gardeners, and Prince Edward County Field Naturalists asking that council let them volunteer to help with the process.

They ask that any policy work to enhance the tree canopy, particularly along tourist routes, include a regular tree maintenance program, and serve to protect mature trees in the county.

Healthy trees and forests lead to stronger groundwater supplies, reductions in energy consumption, improvements in air quality and increased property values.